"Iron Horse"

JPEG DIGITAL DOWNLOAD (Image & Text 8.5 x 9 – 300 dpi)

THEME: Elegy – Elmer Elkins "PE Hog-head" (Father)

VISUAL THEME: Freight Trains

COMPLETE TEXT: "IRON HORSE" 

Iron Horse
by Frank Elkins ©2009

A plaintive whistle whispers deep into the night
when all the world is fast asleep
and only I am there to hear its calling.

My father’s voice –
Speaking to me from distant memories...

Of endless tracks traveled on long nights riding the rails
hauling boxcars, and flatcars, and tankers...
and dreams.

Whipping the iron horse steady into morning
embracing the reins of his existence.

Returning with the dawning day:
lunchbox, lamp, and gloves in hand –
Tired eyes and loving heart aching to sleep the day away.

And in that distant whistle I find comfort,
mindful that now he drives the Train to Glory.